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Moira O'Donnell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Moira O'Donnell
Sponsored by Moira's loving family.
Ilse Pointner
October 9, 2015
Dear Moira,
I am thinking of you today and often and miss you.
Yours,
Ilse
Jena Incavo Lyons
August 11, 2013
Happy Birthday Moira. I know you would have called it 40 onederful. Miss you everyday my sweetest friend. All my love to you. ox
Jena Incavo Lyons
April 24, 2012
Just found a post-it note in my house that simply said "I love you Jena. Love, Moi" It means so much to me. I miss Moira terribly but, I know she is always with us. I had a whole table of people laughing the other day when I told them how Moira used to give up "unavoidable cheese" for Lent. Oh that girl!
Lisa Roeder
September 17, 2010
Dear Moira,
Here we are, the weekend of our 20th high school reunion and I want you to know how much you are in our hearts and thoughts. None of us will ever forget your laughter and leadership all those years at Mercy. I know you'll be looking down on us this weekend and smiling! We'll have a toast to you!
Lisa
Eric Tourigney
December 12, 2006
To the O'Donnell Family;
I would like to tell you how deeply sorry I am. Moira was an astonishing person that has touch, and to this day influenced, my life as I am sure many others.
She had a brilliant ability to expand joy, happiness and brightness from her presents. I cannot recall ever seeing her without a simile from ear to ear or brightening a room with her divine eyes that shined so brightly not even the most serious of storms had a chance of clouding her, or anyone with her, day.
I had so many precious times with Moira; from her reading poetry (I think I can recite every poem written by William Butler Yeats), to putting Christmas lights up in the middle of July, saying “Park”, “Yard”, “Pizza” etc… over and over again (which sounds more like “Pak”, “Yad” and “Pizzar” from my mouth) because she loved to her my accent (I could never convince her that she was the one with the accent), bringing home groceries for an old women of who I asked was and she simply and elegantly put “I don’t know, she just looked like she needed help”, but most of all listening to her talk about her family; how beautiful Aimee is, how proud of Matt she was; and how much she loved her Mom and Dad.
I am sorry for the postponement of this letter. I just had a hard time penning this one. I was devastated when I heard of her loss. I truly loved her.
My deepest condolence to you all.
Monica Ventocilla
March 26, 2006
Mr. & Mrs. O'Donnell:
Very sad to read of Moira's passing in the Mercy Oaks newsletter. I attended Mercy High School with Moira and remember a vibrant, smart and kind person who extended her warmth and compassion to everyone. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences for you and your family.
Elizabeth Ford
March 1, 2006
To the O'Donnell Family;
What a terrible shock to read about Moira's passing in the recent Santa Clara Magazine. When I saw Moira's picture here and read about her life, I had to stop and smile as it appears she was doing exactly what she dreamed about doing while at SCU.
I am the Assistant Dean in the MBA Office where Moira worked during the latter part of her time at SCU. I have worked with alot of students over my 15 years at Santa Clara. Only a few have made the lasting impression that Moira did. She was smart, energetic, enthusiastic, and a true delight to be around. I have thought of her often through the years but never expected to hear about her this way. During Moira's senior year I remember her talking about the things she wanted to do with her life. I think I may have written a recommendation letter for her to Boston College.
I don't know the circumstances of her death but am certain of your devastation. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how many lives she touched in such a special way. I am praying for you all as you continue through this most difficult time.
Moira was a true joy.
With sincere sympathy.
Elizabeth Ford
Assistant Dean
Graduate Business Programs
Santa Clara University
Paulo Silva
November 28, 2005
I met Moira in International Hall, London in 2001/2002. She was my neighour in room 502. My memory of Moira is of a bright and cheerful woman with a sense of humor, that could make easyly laugh the students from any country. I hope she keeps that smile anywhere she is now.
Lea Ayoub
November 26, 2005
Dear O'Donnell Family,
I met Moira at International Hall, in London. Although I did not knew her very well, she is someone I will not forget for her kindness, her constant cheerfulness, her ability to listen, and her laughter.
With warmest regards and sympathies,
Lea
Lydia Good
November 25, 2005
Dear Family O´Donnell,
I lived with Moira in International Hall, whilst we studied at the University of London. I am now working in Luanda, Angola and just received this sad news via email from another U London friend. I am devasated by this loss, but happy that I knew Moira´s vitality and vivaciousness; that we danced together at parties and ate together and laughed together. I know you do not know me, but I send you my love at this time, even though I am thousands of miles away. Lydia
CAROLYN FABIAN
November 11, 2005
Dear Bob,Jackie,Aimee and Matt
I wanted to express how moved I was by Moira's services.I am humbled by what an amazing family you are. I was touched by the gesture that even in the depths of your grief how welcomed I felt to be greeted by Bob and Jackie with open arms,which indeed expresses the spirit of Moira. I was also touched by the spiritual presence I felt around your family, what amazing people you are! Aimee and Matt have grown into such beautiful adults. I also of course enjoyed all of the funny stories about Moira,which like most of us do, I have plenty of my own reeling in my head.Anyway I wanted to share a story with you not of Moira but of something you might appreciate. As I was wondering if this story might get edited, I kept hearing Moira in my head saying "CARPE DIEM, SEIZE THE DAY!" And like Matt said if anyone's going to edit it, it would be Moira herself.
So here it goes...and if you like take it with a grain of salt.
For the past two years I have had the job of nannying for two children who lost their mother in a car accident.So in honor of "Dia de los meurtos",where in Mexico they celebrate the lives of those deceased, Sophie(the 8 yr old) and I decided to make an altar in honor of her mother Melanie and our dear Moira.The altar we named "Sisters of the Revolution"which as we all know Moira was in high ranks of. So anyway we put up pictures of them,lit some candles and had a tea party in honor of Moi. As we lit the candles we each said a little prayer to them and basically said "hello up there in Heaven, we hope you ladies are doing fine!".Then Sophie said out loud clear as a bell "yes,hello from earth!" A minute later we decided to pick an Angel card for Moi and I think we both almost fell over when we read it...clear as day it read "hello from Heaven!" In smaller print it read..."your loved ones in Heaven are doing fine,let go of worries and feel their loving blessing".We both looked at each other and said "Wow! that was a quick response!"Anyways as Bob said to me at the service,"we all have another Angel now"And my,what a beautiful and brilliant one she must be! In honor of you Moira...Carpe Diem !
With love and blessings Carolyn
Sue Alexander
October 30, 2005
Bob, Jackie and the O'Donnell Clan,
The services for Moira were touching, loving and memorable.
I know without a shadow of a doubt her charitable works and humor are her legacy.
It is crystal clear to me, what a remarkable gift we were given.
Loving blessings,
katrina Child
October 30, 2005
It has taken me awhile to sign this guestbook, in part because it is so hard to express the admiration and appreciation I felt for Moira, and to properly express my grief and sympathy to Moira's family.
Moira had an almost otherwordly quality to her, as though she grasped meaning and beauty on a level that most of us strive for our whole lives. She was beatific, bringing together such passion for social justice and true enjoyment of life in the moment. She was so unbelievably beautiful, and yet so kind, down to earth and goofy that she put people at ease. Her kind, gentle and thoughtful presence was felt no matter what the setting, and through her studies, work and pursuits she has touched so many lives.
Her life is an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to everyone who knew her. She lived life so very, very well. I feel honored to have known her.
My deepest condolence to Moira's family.
Noushin Yadegari
October 25, 2005
Dear O'Donnell Family, I am so incredibly saddened by the passing of Moira. I went to college with Moira and when I heard the news, I honestly couldn't believe it and it still doesn't seem real. I saw Moira last at our 10 year college reunion. She was as sweet as ever and I think that she had a great time that evening, just as the rest of us did. I can assure you that Moira will not be forgotten; she will live in our memories forever.
With deep sympathy,
Noushin Yadegari
Aimee O'Donell
October 24, 2005
Having pored over these entries, I feel a kinship with you all; on behalf of my family I thank you for your many thoughts, prayers, kind words and most of all the love you have sent to us. My sister was my second mother, role model, inspiration and savior in many instances. She was a source of endless frustration and infinite joy, as anyone out there with a sister may understand. I love and miss her more than any words can possibly convey, but also feel a spirit as bright and as beautiful as hers can never truly be gone from us; as our neice reminds me, she lives in our hearts now, and is able to love and protect us in ways she is very pleased about, I know.
If you knew my sister personally, then you knew of her zany humor, unbounded generocity and true and deep passion for social justice. Moira looked at the world and saw many gifts and beauties but also deep aches and true suffering among humankind. She was not the kind to just accept that as the way the world is; she devoted her professional life and much of her personal life to righting those situtations she could and pouring as much love and compassion as she had into the world. The only way I can think of to honor her gifts to the world is to carry these actions on and use her faith-turned-to-action approach towards life myself. I can only hope to make her proud.
Again, thank you to all who have shared their stories and memories of Moira as well as offered their prayers and best wishes for our family. I have been touched by each of you.
Very sincerely,
Aimee O'Donnell,
Moi's younger sister
Martha Edmundson
October 23, 2005
Jackie, Bob and Family,
Grief has a way of sucking the life right out of you, but our Lord provides us with memories, family, friends and His grace to help you endure and lessen the pain. My heart and prayers are with you.
Martha
Michelle O'Donnell
October 23, 2005
I have read all the tributes in Moira’s guest book, and I have been deeply moved by them. They convey the shock and sadness at our loss of Moira, who filled our lives with such light, laughter and love. Thank you.
I want to say a bit more about Moira, so extraordinary an ordinary person, for those who might not have known her well.
About Moira O'Donnell: She was a brilliant person made up of the best intentions, who never could master arriving on time. She was a scholar of Victorian literature whose most frequently used words were "dude" and the littler known "duderonomy." Chronically laden with a purse drowning with papers, she never seemed to have a dollar bill in her wallet. But that didn't stop her from reaching for her checkbook at Sunday Mass to write a $20 check for the offering.
We were a couple heartbeats away from being in synch in mind and spirit. I could hand her a grain of an idea, no matter how unformed, and she would say, "Oh, yes," and then hand me it back, rich and full: a fattened theory, plumped up with context, refined with history, and layered with pop culture or a dash of supposition.
She did not know how to say no. She graciously took the unheated back room in our Richmond District flat. When she moved up to the dining room -- and considering what she was moving from, the dining room was a real step up -- she relished the spot, even though it meant living at the crossroads of the flat and putting her dresser in the hallway. Moira stuck the mail tray on the dresser and gamely called it a hall table. Her closet was the hall closet. It was an unlighted cave with a sloped ceiling and, somewhere in the dimness, a thicket of black knee-high platform boots. In the morning, she sometimes donned mismatched shoes, yet failed to grasp that these were wonderful chances to show how she was again drawing the short straw in the housing arrangement (back room, dining room, hall closet), and instead milked those times for laughs. There were many.
She did big and little things with equal measures of joy, including the often under-appreciated – but, I now realize, essential -- vocation of phone answering. Moira’s phone greeting was an extended and somewhat loopy "Hel-llooo?" with a pleasant octave climb up on the "lo" that instantly made you glad you called. An avid student of literature, history, theology and philosophy, she ascribed to the most important school of thought, that you should speak with a smile in your voice.
She was that rare breed of person who is highly sensitive, yet without an ounce of defensiveness, who is a delicious pleasure to be around. The holiest, St. Therese calls those people. Unlike those who simply demonstrate piety. I must agree. As often as she might have had the chance, Moira was rarely offended, but simply stood by when, unbidden, I warned a person or two that they were not to treat my cousin unkindly.
She never judged. She was a happy listener.
She was also very, very funny -- intentionally and otherwise. The driving and parking stories told at her services are only the tip of the iceberg. Moira and her car were an experience. For months I held my breath inside her car after a spilled cup of coffee – one-quarter half and half, three-quarters regular, just the way she liked it – went off like bad cheese. It had been her late Grandma Mary’s car, and Moira inhabited it like the holy place it was by using it as a laundry room. Once in Golden Gate Park, she was appalled to observe a man who, despite several tries, was not able to parallel park. And my cousin – who once drove into a gas station paved with wet cement, who ran over our family’s heirloom Christmas tree stand, who drove blocks with a cooler trapped beneath her car not knowing what to do, but did call herself the reigning champion of parallel parking in the Outer Richmond – declared that that was grounds for annulment.
She could be infuriating, but only in things that came with deadlines or required stamps. If you never received a thank you note from Moira, it was because she approached the task with the care with which a 9th century monk undertook an illuminated manuscript. The gift, or dinner, or lunch, was really so deeply appreciated by Moira, who was greatly moved by acts of kindness, that she would endeavor to write a thank you note that could accurately express her well of gratitude. Of course, no words exist in any language to express thanks so deeply felt. Which was disappointing to her, as she liked to produce only masterpieces, so, after assembling the finest stationery and pens, she would putter off to some more doable task.
If you did receive a thank you note from Moira, I hope you cherished the masterpiece.
In the same way, she had decided that she would not apply to any further courses of study because, as much as she enjoyed being a student, she loathed asking professors for the letters of recommendation required with applications. I tried without success to tell her that she was every teacher’s dream student – she really DID re-read her Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volumes I and II cover to cover like she promised the Santa Clara University committee who awarded her the coveted scholarship to Oxford University – and that they would leap at the chance to gloat about a student who was hooked on learning like a drug. But she always felt sheepish about it.
Fortunately, she was more accepting of the fact that she had lovely legs and wore skirts to their best advantage.
She had a passion for social justice but also a weakness for "free" gifts at the cosmetics counter. She was deeply spiritual but would have made a miserable Carmelite. Though she could have been a jolly, bustling member sister of any non-cloistered order. That allowed occasional dates with Irish lads.
She was beautiful.
She was hilarious.
She was a natural mother.
She loved to be the conduit for family coming together. She honored her forebears, though we had only vague notions about some of them, and sometimes spoke with awe of the hard times they had endured. She felt keenly the hardships of decades past.
And cared for the future. To her godsons, her younger cousins, her niece and nephew, she invested weekends and weeknights with fun outings and tutoring. They idolized her, and she them. Her cousin Sean, now 12, had an extra ticket to a Giants game this summer, and of everybody on the planet, whom did he want as his date? Moira.
After she died, he asked his mother, “Who’s going to walk in and say, 'Hi, Sean!'"
We all feel the same.
A few years ago, she gave me a book of St. Therese's writings. One chapter in it is titled, "The Lord Loves a Cheerful Giver." God, then, truly adores Moira. As do we.
Moi, I will carry you in my heart always. Thank you for being my special friend and cousin. You have changed my life, made me who I am, and showed me how to take joy from life on a daily basis. It is in the moment, in the time with others, in making others feel happy to be around you, and giving them the gift of laughter. God bless you, sweet Moi. I'll long to be with you always.
Erin Sheehy
October 21, 2005
Dear O'Donnell family,
I initially knew Moira through Michelle, but had the immense fortune of living with Moira during the summer of 2000 in the Richmond. From the moment I met her, Moira had an indelible and remarkable impact on me. She was one of the brightest, wittiest, most loving and beautiful people I've ever met. I loved her sense of curiosity for the world and her earnest interest in taking as much in as she possibly could. I adored Moira and had such a lovely time sharing a house with her. Moira's passing is an irreplaceable loss to the entire world, to which she was committed to giving generously. I am so sorry to her entire family for what you are going through. This is a truly tragic loss for everyone who had the benefit of ever crossing paths with dear Moira.
Lori Callahan Cassidy
October 18, 2005
O'Donnell Family-
I had the pleasure of getting to know Moira through her cousin Michelle. She was such a special person and I will always remember her beautiful smile and vibrant personality. My sincere condolences to the entire O'Donnell family. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Kimberly Vorsatz
October 18, 2005
Dear O'Donnell Family, especially Aimee,
Moira was my orientation leader on the first day of high school at Mercy. I was late to homeroom so she personally escorted me there, telling me all sorts of stories about Mercy and high school life. She introduced me to her sister Aimee and we became great friends dancing to "Cecilia". I know that Moira's personality will always shine through Aimee. May God soothe you during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Kim
Jena Incavo Lyons
October 18, 2005
My beautiful best friend Moira. What a true blessing she was and always will be to my life. I once told her she was an elixir to my soul. And although it is dramatic it is so true. I can see her brilliant eyes and hear her laughter so clearly. Her love and her beauty and her joy will always be with us. God bless our dear Moira.
Nicole Lako
October 17, 2005
To Moira's loving family,
I had the pleasure of working for and with Moira at Hamilton Family Center. In many ways, she was the heart of HFC and a beautiful woman who told a great story with incredible enthusiasm. I was sad to miss the services over the weekend honoring Moira and her legacy. Please accept my condolences. I know she loved and valued each of you as much as you love and value her.
Jerry and Brenda Kelly
October 16, 2005
Jackie, Bob, Matt, Aimee and family,
Our hearts ache to think of how much sorrow you are feeling. We know how much you love Moira and how proud you are of her. All of us are so very sorry for your loss.
The Kelly Family
Ken & Judy Krause
October 15, 2005
Dear Jackie, Bob & Family:
We cannot express in words how saddened we were to hear of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The only comfort can be knowing she is with dear Jesus and in his loving hands.
We are here for you if you need help of any kind.
Jim and Shirley Bryant
October 15, 2005
To The O'Donnell Family:
Our hearts are broken for you as you bid farewell to this very special gift of God to the world. We feel privileged to have known her, and to have watched her grow. Our prayers are with you.
Rosa Castaneda
October 14, 2005
Dear O’Donnell Family,
I had the honor to work with Moira for almost four years at Hamilton Family Center. Moira was intelligent, funny, respectful, committed to help others, and very beautiful. I have wonderful memories of Moira when she worked at Hamilton. She admired her parents a lot and was very proud of her brother and sister. I also remember the light in her eyes when she talked about her niece, Michaela. I hope God gives the O’Donnell family strength and healing through the very difficult times ahead.
Diana Fir Gremett
October 14, 2005
Dear Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell and family,
My heartfelt condonlences to you for this great loss. I was fortunate to attend Mercy with Moira and remember a kind, brilliant, and loving person. She was quick witted and I always enjoyed talking with her. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. Much love to all of you.
Lynn Lyons
October 14, 2005
To the O Donnell Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Moira's passing, I knew her as she was a close friend of my sister in law Jenna Lyons. Both myself and my family loved Moira and her wonderful stories, especially of her time in Ireland. I was out with Moira the last time I visited SF and really wish I could be there tomorrow to support you all. She will be forever missed. My parents were also astounded by the warmth and generosity they were bestowed by Moira and her wonderful parents. Again our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Lyons Family in Ireland
Johanna Gendelman
October 14, 2005
Dear Moira's family-
I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Moira. I had the honor of working with Moira at Catholic Charities at the St. Joseph's Family Shelter in 1996. She was one of the most impressive, intelligent, funny yet non-pretentious persons I'd ever met. She taught me alot about living a life committed to social justice while still managing to have a great time. I will miss her brightness.
My prayers are with you. As a parent myself, I can't begin to understand the pain of losing a child.
God bless you all.
Johanna Gendelman
Stacy Demakas-Moffat
October 13, 2005
My sincere condolences to the O'Donnell family.
I remember Moira as everybody's friend. She had an incredible way of lighting up a room. Her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.
Jeff Pickering
October 13, 2005
Dear O'Donnell Family,
I want to share my deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful person. I was one of six housemates of Moira's in Brooklyn, NY during our truly remarkable year in the Vincentian Service Corps. While it has been almost ten years since I last saw Moira, I think of her often as she plays the lead role in one of my own life's funniest stories. Over the years friends in New Orleans, San Diego, Chicago and now Orlando have laughed because of her, all without ever meeting Moira in person. Through my story and those shared by other friends and family members, may Moira's light continue to shine down from Heaven on us all.
Rosie Fabian-Hermann
October 13, 2005
There are no words to express the sadness I feel about Moira's passing. Moira was my sister Carolyn Fabian's classmate at Mercy. I spent time with her often and was so impressed and delighted by her. We had a lot of common interests. We belonged to Amnesty International, loved the rock band U2 and were proud Irish women! We laughed a lot and I always enjoyed her visits.
Her passion for social justice and helping those less fortunate is her legacy. Her maturity and caring always amazed me. She was years ahead of her peers and most of the adults I know. She was always smiling and so happy to see me. She had a gift for making everyone she spoke to feel like they were the most important person she had ever met. A natural diplomat. An old soul. A bright light in a cold, dark world. She will be missed here on Earth, but I know she is in Heaven where all angels belong.
GEORGIANNA BARRETT
October 13, 2005
DEAR JACKIE AND BOB AND FAMILY
I AM SO SAD TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER. MY HEART IS GRIEVING WITH YOURS AND MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY OUR LORD BE CLOSE TO YOU AND GIVE YOU THE COMFORT THAT ONLY HE CAN GIVE. LOVE, GEORGIANNA
Janis McAnally Frazier
October 13, 2005
What a beautiful girl. I know you are both very proud of Moira. I will pray that the pain will lessen and your hearts be sewn back together with many wonderful memories. May God hold you in His powerful hands of mercy through this time.
Ken and Lindsey Ward
October 13, 2005
To the Whole O'Donnell Family,
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. I am sure that no words or gesture can take the pain away. But know that you are in our prayers and thoughts every day. Our hearts go out to you. She will be missed.
Diana Ward
October 13, 2005
My Dear Friends:
There was never a time when talking with Moira that I didn't feel I was in the presence of someone extremly special. She was such a truly beautiful person and always made you feel special. As she has grown from the little girl to the lovely woman I have watched and admired her and her parents who raised such a lovely girl. My heart is broken for her family whom we love very much. Please know Jackie, Bob, Matt, Lisa, Amiee, and all the family that you are in our thoughts and our hearts...Diana Ward & Family
Sandy Brighi-Seymour
October 13, 2005
Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to you during this time of need.
Michael McGuirk
October 13, 2005
Dear Bob, Jackie and family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you for your tragic loss. May God bless all of you and help you through the very difficult times ahead.
Mike & Susan McGuirk
Bridget Oates
October 13, 2005
I was so sorry to receive this news and I send my condolences to Moira's family. I was in a screenwriting group with Moira and I loved her imagination and sweetness.
allison valentine mills
October 13, 2005
Oh Mr and Mrs O'Donnell, Matt and Aimee, I can't express my sorrow and disbelief at the news of Moi's death. We hadn't seen each other in years but not a day goes by that I don't think of her and her role in making me the person I am today. From JSA to Stanford Summer School to visits at Santa Clara and trips to Park Slope, my experiences with her are some of the most significant of my youth. I wish I could be with you all at her services this weekend. Please know that you are all in my prayers and my love and warmest wishes go out to you.
Nancy Clayton
October 13, 2005
Dear Jackie and Bob....
My deepest prayers and sympathy are with you in your tragic loss. May God's strength be with you and your family.
Angelica Richard
October 13, 2005
I have had the pleasure of running into Moira on quite a few occassions since high school days at Mercy. Whether at a fund raiser or during a quick conversation in passing at USF, Moira always had a smile and a way about her that would warm your heart, like the glow of a candle in a window on a cold winter's night. As I pray for her and her family, I will remember her compassion, empathy and generous spirit as an inspiration, and thank God that my life was touched by her presence.
Kathy & Larry Dunn
October 13, 2005
My dear Jackie & Bob,
We were so sorry to hear about Moira. We can't even imagine losing a child. God Bless us all.
Shaina & Larry Lynch
October 13, 2005
Dear Bob and Jackie,
Larry and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Over the years, Peggy and Jim have kept us up to date on Moira's achievements and activities, always speaking of her with love and admiration. We met Moira occasionally at O'Donnell gatherings and remember her vibrance and beautiful smile. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie Oxendale
October 12, 2005
My heartfelt condolences to Moira's extensive family.
Moira was a screenwriting student of mine for a number of years before she left for London. She also was an inspiring friend to myself and the others in our group of writers. She was a joy, and a great entertainer who kept us late into the night with her twisty, romantic tales and her 3x5 cards! She will not be forgotten.
Bette Mackey
October 12, 2005
Dear Bob, Jackie and family,
I pray for God's special love for you and healing of this tragic loss.
Karen Ross
October 12, 2005
I remember Moira as the little blond smart girl in my brother's class who lived up the street from me and who I babysat occasionally along with Matt and Aimee. I heard stories over the years of her educational pursuits and her efforts and drive to help others. My heart goes out to her family and friends. She will be missed.
Molly Wessel
October 12, 2005
I've known Moira for about ten years, since she lived in New York. Though I haven't had a chance to meet many of her family members, I'm struck by how familiar all of the listed names are, simply because of how much she admired, and talked about her family. As part of her circle of friends, we have equally admired and talked about her. We always will, because she has left behind her such riches of humor and goodness and passion for whatever she was reading or thinking about. Best wishes and blessings to the O'Donnells.
Marie Marcopulos
October 12, 2005
Bob, Jackie, and family -
My deepest condolences at this most difficult time.
Judith Coley
October 12, 2005
My condolences to Moira's family and friends. I was lucky enough to meet Moira through screenwriting and enjoyed her wonderful imagination and sunny personality. Much love. Judith
Stephen Kling
October 12, 2005
To the O'Donnell Family,
I want you to know that my heart goes out to you.Erin was a special person. My daughter Lisa always could count on your daughter for support in H.S. Erin was a gift of light.
Her smile,speech, all of her. Sunday in mass I will say special prayers and keep all of my memories
of Erin close to me.
Stephen Kling
Carol & Tom Walsh
October 12, 2005
We are so sorry to hear of Moira's unexpected passing and would like to express our deepest condolences to the family.
Larry Lauro
October 12, 2005
I was grateful to work with Moira on the Ignatian Solidarity Network board. She was always joyful, gracious and generous in her work and toward her colleagues. To share in her dedicated work was a privilege and to have her friendship a blessing. We will miss you Moira.
Carrie Clark Walsh
October 12, 2005
Dear Moira's Family,
What a wonderful, light, charming, and loving soul she is. She was an inspiration to me in her intellect and practical sensibility; she had so many accomplishments and achievements and talents, all of which seemed to come effortlessly and with grace and of course humor.
I will pray that her friends and family find some comfort, as this was so unexpected and so tragic. It makes no sense to me.
With loving thoughts,
Carrie
James E. Hug, S.J.
October 12, 2005
Moira's death is a tragic loss for all who knew and loved her and for all of us who worked with her, sharing great hopes for the Ignatian Solidarity Network. My prayers for all the family.
Kelly Zavislak
October 12, 2005
Dear O'Donnell family,
I am so sorry to hear about Moira. I was fortunate enough to live with her and Michelle briefly in San Francisco and my memories of this time are filled with joy and laughter. She had a heart of solid gold and I was continually inspired by her optimism and enthusiasm. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss.
Lisa Roeder
October 12, 2005
Dear O'Donnell Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Moira's passing. She and I graduated together from Mercy, were student body officers together, and spent the 1989 earthquake in a pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay along with Lisa G., Bing,and Bern. Moira was one of the most generous women that I knew and I know her gifts will be felt forever. God Bless! Lisa Kling Roeder
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